RHYW is different from other eBook converters – we publish and sell our own eBooks and we have developed systems to do every aspect of this as efficiently as possible. We take a print ready PDF, convert it to XML, generate different eBook editions that are optimized for each different channel, we distribute the optimized eBook into all major channels with ONIX files that have been specifically designed to get the book high search rankings on Kindle, Barnes and Noble and the other eBook sites, we check the eBooks have been properly loaded in an acceptable timeframe, we collect royalties and deal with withholding taxes and other administrative nasties. We know the problems. We know that checking the eBook files often costs more than the conversion. We know that “surprises” cost a lot of time, anxiety and money. We have worked out these problems on our own books. Contact our local representatives for more information.

Q: How can RHYW Maximize your eBook Investment?

We mark up your book once into XML. Because we do a thorough job in the mark up, we can create multiple eBook editions from the XML file. When Apple published its iPads format requirements, RHYW was able to change some code and create the new format with little or no publisher involvement. We call this RHYW feature “FUTURE PROOFING”. Because we capture all sorts of additional information in the XML file, RHYW can create value added editions of your eBooks. Call our representatives to find out more.

Q: What Conversion Packages does RHYW Offer?

We offer 3 publisher packages:

Conversion Only: RHYW converts your files in the formats you specify and you distribute the eBooks, collect the revenues and deal with withholding taxes etc. If there are new formats you need, you pay for them at the going additional format rate.

Conversion and Distribution: you pay the conversion fee and RHYW converts and distributes your files and collects the revenues for you for a fee.

Partnership: RHYW converts your files into multiple formats for no upfront fee, and RHYW collects the revenues, for a profit share.

Call our representatives for more information.
Q: What other formats can RHYW produce from the XML file?

Almost any formats: Large Print (in seven formats), Braille, DAISY, new dyslexic formats and we will be introducing formats that the reader can design for themselves.

Q: Why should I bother with these esoteric formats?

Well for 3 reasons: you can make money out of them, if the new Copyright treaty for the disabled comes into force, and you don’t provide them, you will have to give unprotected copies to blind organizations anywhere in the world who ask for them, and you should check out whether you are in breach of Disability Discrimination legislation by choosing not to provide the disabled with your information in the reader’s format of choice, when you could do so for little additional cost.

Q: Will my eBooks look like the Print Edition?

Yes and No. Publishers want to make their eBooks look like the print books. But eBooks are read on iPhones, other smart phones, iPads, other tablets, small net computers and traditional laptops and PC’s. These screens are all different sizes. It is important that your eBook works on EVERY device. So don’t choose a font that is not supported on one of the devices a reader will want to read your book on. Avoid layouts where people will have to scroll horizontally and will miss important information if they don’t. There are many issues here. That is why RHYW always analyses a file BEFORE converting it so that any issues can be resolved with the publisher and charges a small for this service. This is part of our “No Surprises” policy.

Good eBook Design at the simplest level is making sure that the eBook will work on the device it is read on. Be careful with fonts and strange characters. At the next level, the reader gets what they expect – for example they will not miss important data if they fail to scroll horizontally. Be careful with formats. The third level is all about giving every reader an optimal, or at least a good experience, on the device they are using. Optimize navigation and display.

As devices are changing and are offering more features. Files for a particular device will need to be optimized. eBook formats are changing with the devices. Constant research and testing of actual files on all the eBook devices is required.

At ReadHowYouWant, we have developed our own technology to intelligently map the original PDF into an XML file, and then electronically compare the text in the RHYW XML file with the text in the original PDF to ensure complete accuracy. Our systems are fast, accurate and low cost.

Q: Can RHYW Handle Simultaneous Launch of Titles?

While we need time to convert files – if you absolutely need to have an eBook file ready immediately for simultaneous launch we are always happy to help.

Q: What eBook Distribution Channels does RHYW distribute into?
ReadHowYouWant distributes into the channels listed below, and new channels are added as they are released

RHYW not only produces Large Print, Braille, DAISY and other formats, but can also market and sell these formats at www.readhowyouwant.com and through our many channel partners. We share revenue of every editions sold with the original publisher and author.

Please contact your local Publisher Relations Manager for more information.

Q: What eBook related administration costs do publisher’s face?

Do not underestimate the time and costs in establishing each vendor! Each vendor will have different requirements. You will need to consider, discuss or understand:

Contracts: the terms may vary especially related to pricing and revenue share

Definitions: identify with each vendor their definition of ‘optimal eBook’ and the ONIX format they use

Verification of eBook loading: it’s not unusual to discover that the eBook vendors have not loaded your eBooks etc

Collection and reconciliation of receipts in multiple currencies/exchange rates etc*

*of specific relevance to Publishers who do not have registered business/branches in USA and UK
Q: How do Publishers maximize their eBook Revenues?

In three ways:

By offering their books for sale via all the big eBook vendors. With the proliferation of Tablets and other eBook reading devices, the number of channels is expected to rise

By having their eBooks formatted optimally for each device or software App on which the eBook is to be read –new features will constantly be added to eBook readers, and publishers will need to create new eBook editions to take advantage of these new features

By making sure that their eBooks rank highly in search results on each eBook vendor’s website. If a publisher’s book does not come up near the top of the search results, then few readers will find the book and few with buy it. If no one can find it – no one can buy it.

By optimizing the metadata feeds that the publishers supply to the eBook vendors. Usually these feeds are ONIX. Whilst ONIX is a standard, it is often implemented differently by different vendors. Optimizing the metadata for each channel, so that the book comes up high in the search rankings on each different eBook website, is essential if the full sales potential of the eBook is to be realized. If readers cannot find your books when they search, they will not buy it.

Q: What file formats do you accept for conversion?

We can accept most text formats for conversion but generally we prefer to receive files in print-ready PDF for a couple of reasons. First, we can be sure that it is the final file and all editorial corrections have been incorporated. Second, we can view and compare the PDF with the final file to make sure there is as strong a correlation between the two as possible.

Q: What resolution of images is required?

devices like Kobo and Kindle have limited black and white resolution and ePub files being sent to these channels should be 72 dpi black and white images so that the file size is minimized.

Files being sent to Apple for iPad should be in high resolution colour so that they can be displayed in high resolution on the iPad. Image Files as big as 12 MB are allowed.

Our technical team keeps up to date with all device and channel requirements. We analyse all properties and attributes required for each device and each channel, and update our code to produce the best ePub file for each channel or device.

Q: What is the file submission process?

Generally we ask that you upload print-ready PDFs of the front and back cover along with internal text via FTP. We will make the FTP folder for you, and will send you details to upload the files. We will then analyse the files and revert to you with:

An individual quote based on the relative complexity of the title

Questions regarding any conversion issues specific to that title e.g. display of images, URLS, tables etc.

Upon acceptance of the quote we will usually turn the files around in 10 working days.

After final QA checking, we will make the files available for download – after which time we will make any further changes free of charge for a period of seven working days.

Q: RHYW is An International Company. Does it have Local Representatives?

Yes. ReadHowYouWant has team members in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. You will be able to work with a Publisher Relations Manager in your own country and time zone – saving you time, effort and many late night phone calls.

We currently work with dozens of Publishers and Distributors internationally as their eBook converter of choice.

Q: How Can I get More Information?

For more information or to receive a quote, Please contact our Regional Representatives
Australia and NZ – Margaret Howse (margaret@readhowyouwant.com)

Note: ReadHowYouWant Data conversion and Braille production system only support text based fiction and non-fiction books. Complex books like Subject books and Mathematical books are not supported by our system.